Is Homelessness Growing?
In an article I read today the author summed up homelessness in America as “shocking, disturbing, and appalling” (Lendman, 2010).
There are many reasons why a person may become homeless. Here is just a partial listing, job loss, home foreclosure, divorce, domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, and unaffordable housing.
Homelessness among the youth is another serious issue. In 2004 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that 1.6 million youths ran away from home and slept on the streets. Two-thirds were teens form 15-17 years of age. Some kids were thrown out by their parents, in foster care, physically abused, and many were sexually violated. These youths that are on there own are at a higher risk for suicide attempts, anxiety, multiple disorders, including depression and many other physical and emotional problems.
One fourth of the homeless are veterans. Some have difficulty readjusting whey they return home. Lack of employment, disabling injuries, and little if any help from the government makes it very difficult for them to maintain.
Homelessness can affect anyone at anytime. You could be living the American dream and with the blink of an eye you have hit rock bottom.
I agree with him Lendman. It is such a shame and not a pretty picture to see. We are one of the world’s richest countries, and we have so many people not having a place to live. This problem is getting worse instead of better. Cities are having a very hard time trying to handle the homeless. We are in an economic crisis, limiting money and jobs for people. This is a national problem that is growing larger and larger every day.
Lendman, S. (2010, May 21). Growing homelessness in America. Baltimore Chronical & Sentinel. Retrieved September 23, 2010, from http://baltimorechronicle.com/2010/052110lendmanshtml.
